A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Ii Part 29

ZETHAR. O, it is no small charge to fathers, afore G.o.d, So to train their children in youth under the rod That, when they come to age, they may virtue ensue, Wicked pranks abhor, and all lewdness eschew, And me-thinketh Isaac, being a man as he is-- A chosen man of G.o.d, should not be slack in this.

HANAN. Alack, good man, what should he do more than he hath done?

I dare say no father hath better taught his son, Nor no two have given better example of life Unto their children than both he and his wife: As by their younger son Jacob it doth appear.

He liveth no loose life: he doth G.o.d love and fear.

He keepeth here in the tents, like a quiet man: He giveth not himself to wildness any when.

But Esau evermore from his young childhood Hath been like to prove ill, and never to be good.

Young it p.r.i.c.keth (folks do say), that will be a thorn, Esau hath been naught, ever since he was born.

And whereof cometh this? of education?

Nay, it is of his own ill inclination.

They were brought up both under one tuition; But they be not both of one disposition.

Esau is given to loose and lewd living.

ZETHAR. In faith, I warrant him [to] have but shrewd thriving.

HANAN. Neither see I any hope, that he will amend.

ZETHAR. Then let him even look to come to an ill end.

For youth that will follow none but their own bridle, That leadeth a dissolute life and an idle: Youth, that refuseth wholesome doc.u.ments, Or to take example of their G.o.dly parents: Youth, that is retchless, and taketh no regard, What become of themself, nor which end go forward: It is great marvel and a special grace, If ever they come to goodness all their life s.p.a.ce.

But why do we consume this whole morning in talk Of one that hath no reck ne care, what way he walk, We had been as good to have kept our bed still.

HANAN. O, it is our part to lament them that do ill.

Like as very nature a G.o.dly heart doth move Others' good proceedings to tender and to love: So such as in no wise to goodness will be brought, What good man but will mourn, since G.o.d us all hath wrought, But ye have some business, and so have I.

ZETHAR. And we have been long; farewell, neighbour, heartily.

ACTUS PRIMI, SCAENA TERTIA.

REBECCA, _the mother_. JACOB, _the son_.

REBECCA. Come forth, son Jacob, why tarriest thou behind?

JACOB. Forsooth, mother, I thought ye had said all your mind.

REBECCA. Nay, come, I have yet a word or two more to say.

JACOB. Whatsoever pleaseth you, speak to me ye may.

REBECCA. Seeing thy brother Esau is such an one, Why rebukest thou him not, when ye are alone?

Why dost thou not give him some good sad wise counsel?

JACOB. He lacketh not that, mother, if it would avail.

But when I do him any thing of his fault[s] tell, He calleth me foolish proud boy, with him to mell.

He will sometime demand, by what authority I presume to teach them which mine elders be?

He will sometime ask, if I learn of my mother To take on me teaching of mine elder brother?

Sometime, when I tell him of his lewd behaviour, He will lend me a mock or twain for my labour: And sometime for anger he will out with his purse, And call me, as please him, and swear he will do worse.

REBECCA. O Lord, that to bear such a son it was my chance.

JACOB. Mother, we must be content with G.o.d's ordinance.

REBECCA. Or, if I should need have Esau to my son, Would G.o.d thou, Jacob, haddest the elders.h.i.+p won.

JACOB. Mother, it is too late to wish; for that is pa.s.s'd; It will not be done now, wish ye never so fast.

And I would not have you to wish against G.o.d's will: For both it is in vain, and also it is ill.

REBECCA. Why did it not please G.o.d, that thou shouldest as well Tread upon his crown, as hold him fast by the heel?

JACOB. Whatsoever mystery the Lord therein meant, Must be referred to his unsearched judgment.

And whatsoever he hath 'ppointed me unto, I am his own vessel, his will with me to do.

REBECCA. Well, some strange thing therein of G.o.d intended was.

JACOB. And what he hath decreed, must sure come to pa.s.s.

REBECCA. I remember, when I had you both conceived, A voice thus saying from the Lord I received: Rebecca, in thy womb are now two nations Of unlike natures and contrary fas.h.i.+ons.

The one shall be a mightier people elect: And the elder to the younger shall be subject.

I know this voice came not to me of nothing: Therefore thou shalt follow my counsel in one thing.

JACOB. So it be not displeasing to the Lord, I must.

REBECCA. I fear the Lorde eke, who is merciful and just: And loth would I be his majesty to offend; But by me (I doubt not) to work he doth intend.

a.s.say, if thou canst at some one time or other, To buy the right of elders.h.i.+p from thy brother: Do thou buy the birthright, that to him doth belong, So may'st thou have the blessing, and do him no wrong.

What thou hast once bought, is thine own of due right.

JACOB. Mother Rebecca, if withouten fraud I might, I would your advice put in ure with all my heart, But I may not attempt any such guileful part.

To buy my brother's elders.h.i.+p and his birthright, I fear, would be a great offence in G.o.d's sight.

Which thing, if I wist to redeem, I ne would, Though I might get thereby ten millions of gold.

REBECCA. G.o.d who, by his word and almightiful decree, Hath appointed thee Esau his lord to be, Hath appointed some way to have it brought about; And that is this way, my sprite doth not doubt.

JACOB. Upon your word, mother, I will a.s.say ere long; Yet it grudgeth my heart to do my brother wrong.

REBECCA. Thou shalt do no wrong, son Jacob, on my peril.

JACOB. Then, by G.o.d's leave, once a.s.say I will.

REBECCA. Then farewell, dear son, G.o.d's blessing and mine with thee.

JACOB. I will again to the tent. Well you be!

[_Exeat Jacob_.

REBECCA. Ah, my sweet son Jacob, good fortune G.o.d thee send!

The most gentle young man alive, as G.o.d me mend!

And the most natural to father and mother: O, that such a meek spirit were in thy brother; Or thy sire loved thee, as thou hast merited, And then should Esau soon be disinherited.